BookLife Review by Carol O'Day: Nothing to See Here (Kevin Wilson, author)

magical realism, parenting, neglect, political ambition, twins, nanny, college roommates, family is where you find it

A lot of humor, some suspended belief and a touch of magical realism make a recipe for a great read. Kevin Wilson’s Nothing to See Here is a metaphorical tale with a resounding and heart-warming family-is-where-you-find-it message. Despite several recommendations from trusted sources I initially resisted this book on the premise alone. Twin children have an unusual condition in which their skin bursts into flames when they become agitated. Right. The recommendations continued to flow in, so I relented. 

Lillian is stuck. She left college following a scandal and her life stalled in its aftermath. She gets a call for help from her former college roommate, Madison, who is marrying a power-broker U.S. Senator with “problematic” twins. The twins “combustion” problem is a political liability to the Senator and he and Madison are eager to keep the children out of the spotlight. They enlist Lillian as their nanny. Lillian signs on with initial reluctance, and a sound measure of skepticism and exercises her own imagination and problem-solving skills to nurture and protect the children. Wilson writes with humor and a philosophical bent, exposes the father’s neglect of his children, a political liability, and rather deftly develops the bond between Lillian and the children. There is a flipping of the historical power balance between Madison and Lillian, and a gently delivered lesson on love that rises from the flames (or the ashes). 

Nothing to See Here is a light, humorous and heart-warming read. Perhaps not high literature, but not every book needs to be that. Sometimes, you just want an enchanting tale.